environmental statement - Rotherham's Online Application for ...

10.28 A significant effect (in terms of the EIA Regulations) is considered to occur
where the combination of sensitivity and magnitude results in a “major” or
“moderate” effect.
10.29 The assessment text (below) considers in detail only those features for
which a potential effect of “moderate” or higher significance is initially
predicted upon the setting of the feature, based on the distance of the
feature from the site and the feature‟s designatory status (in accordance
with the matrix presented above), and considers the potential effect
against a more defined explanation of the feature‟s setting. Where
considered necessary, setting is defined in terms of the immediate
physical surroundings and associations of the feature, or in wider terms,
such as the presence of key long views to or from that feature which are
important to its understanding.
ZONE OF THEORETICAL VISIBILITY
10.30 The ZTV used in this assessment has been calculated from turbine tip
height to ground contours and does not allow for any vegetation (such as
mature blocks of trees) or settlement. The ZTV is calculated to reflect
visibility at approximately 2m above ground level. The ZTV is further
explained in Section 6: Landscape and Visual Assessment of this ES.
10.31 In considering effects using this methodology, the following points need to
be borne in mind. Firstly, the ZTV is a theoretical construct, based upon a
fairly crude base terrain modelling only, with no modelling of settlement
and vegetation cover. Within each “band”, based on numbers of turbines
theoretically visible, no distinction is made in how much of each turbine is
visible. The ZTV therefore represents a “worst case scenario” and in reality
visual effects may be substantially less than suggested. Secondly,
mechanical application of the methodology will generate major and
medium effects (simply based on distance and designatory status), for
which (in case of visual effects upon settings) no mitigation is proposed.
Where this is the case, predicted medium or major effects are discussed in
detail within the assessment text (in Potential Operational Effects) and any
ameliorating conditions highlighted.
BASELINE DESCRIPTION
BASELINE ASSESSMENT
10.32 A desk-based assessment was undertaken by ASWYAS to establish the
baseline condition for the proposed development site, based on a study
area (the initial proposed development area) and a 1km buffer around it.
The report is included in Appendix 6. This was supplemented by the
commissioning of a geophysical survey, also carried out by ASWYAS,
over the footprint of the proposed development. The report is also included
in Appendix 6. It is not proposed to repeat that information here, but the
following sections have drawn upon that work, supplemented by a
separate consideration of cultural heritage features at a greater distance
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement